Скачать или смотреть Good news pakistani prime minister announced international airport in mirpur Azad kashmir

The proposal to establish an international airport in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), has gained renewed momentum in 2025, driven by advocacy from both local leaders and the British-Kashmiri diaspora. 

Recent Developments:
• Legislative Action: In March 2025, Member of the AJK Legislative Assembly, Pir Syed Ali Raza Bukhari, introduced a resolution advocating for the construction of the Mirpur Airport. He emphasized the longstanding demand from the Mirpur diaspora, particularly the approximately one million expatriates residing in Europe and the UK, who frequently visit their ancestral region and contribute significantly to the local economy through remittances and investments. 
• Diaspora Advocacy: A group of 20 UK Labour MPs and peers, many representing constituencies with substantial British-Kashmiri populations, have campaigned for the Pakistani government to fund the airport’s construction. They highlighted the challenges faced by travelers due to the lengthy and often hazardous road journey from Islamabad to Mirpur, which can exceed three hours. The MPs noted that successive Pakistani prime ministers have promised the airport, but these commitments remain unfulfilled. 
• Government Perspective: AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has reiterated the importance of constructing an airport in Mirpur, drawing comparisons with infrastructure developments in Indian-administered Kashmir. He stated that the airport project would proceed once Pakistan’s economic situation improves. 

Historical Context:

The idea of establishing an international airport in Mirpur has been discussed for over a decade. In 2011, the AJK government announced plans for the airport, with financial assistance anticipated from the Pakistani federal government. The proposed facility aimed to provide direct air travel options for overseas Kashmiris, particularly those in the UK, facilitating easier access to their hometowns. 

Current Status:

As of April 2025, while there is significant advocacy and political support for the Mirpur International Airport, concrete steps such as land acquisition, funding allocation, and construction timelines have yet to be finalized. The project remains in the proposal stage, awaiting further governmental action and resource commitment.

For ongoing updates, stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to monitor announcements from the AJK Legislative Assembly and the Pakistani federal government.